Patterson Cemetery District Obits listing Submitted by Gale Stroud and Burta Herger 26 Aug 2007 This file is part of the California Tombstone Project http://www.usgwtombstones.org/california/californ.html These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Anderson Clarence 340706 p5 Dies from Heart Attack in Francisco; Clarence "Kelly" Anderson, former Patterson boy, passed away Wednesday past week in San Francisco under unusual circumstances which resulted in a delay until Friday before anyone was aware of his identity. Employed by the Johns-Manville Co., he was scheduled to go to Manteca that day to work on a job and had gone to the room of another man who was going to take him down. He complained of feeling ill when he arrived and was told to lie down. The other man then left finding Anderson dead when he came back. With only Anderson's address and an illegible identification card to go on the remains were taken to the morgue and listed as "Charles" Anderson, while an inquiry at his address brought no response, as the widow, Mrs. Esther Anderson. had left to stay with relatives while Clarence was out of town. By chance she went back to the apartment Friday to get some clothes and was told by the land lady that the police had been looking for her. After some further delay, due to the error in names, the remains were located and identified. A full investigation was made but developed nothing other than the unusual lack of identification. Death was apparently due to a heart attack and no signs of violence was found. Services Monday; Funeral services were held here Monday afternoon with Rev. A. B. Gilbert officiating, followed by internment in Del Puerto Cemetery. The deceased was 36 years of age and a native of Wisconsin, although he spent many years here. His only brother, Walter, passed away about a year ago at the same age. The widow and his mother, Mrs. Frank Hasek, are the only immediate surviving relatives. Out of town attendants at the funeral included Mr. and Mrs. Fred Olson of Ceres, Mrs. Roy Garrison and Mrs. Edward Deeds of Tracy, Mrs. Axel Anderson of San Francisco, Warren Lee of Reno and Mr. and Mrs. George Sequeira of Newman. Baldridge Dale Mrs 341214 p2 Victim of Wreck Survives Until Friday Morning; Mrs. Dale Baldridge, the second victim of last weeks auto crash at the Southern Pacific crossing north of Patterson. died Friday morning five days after the accident. From the first the physicians refused to give any hope that she could survive. Her son Robert was fatally injured at the same time, living but half an hour. Baldridge and his other son, Dale Jr., are making progress towards recovery. Baldridge Robert 341207 p1 Owl Crushes Car; One Killed; One Dying; Two Hurt; One dead, one dying and two injured was the toll taken in a crossing crash Sunday night at the Fylling crossing north of town when the speeding Owl limited crashed squarely into a car carrying a Gustine family of four, hurling them in all directions. Robert Baldridge, eight, was so badly injured he passed away just as he reached a Newman hospital. His mother, Mrs. Dale Baldridge incurred a severe skull fracture and other injuries which were expected to cause her death at any moment at this writing. Dale Baldridge, who was driving and his older son Dale Jr. are also in the hospital, but are not in danger and will probably be out soon. Other passing motorists stopped and aided in the search for the victims, and they were rushed into town for first aid treatment and then taken to a Newman hospital in cars driven by Dr. E. G. Allen and Constable C. W. Kirk. The point where the crash occurred is recognized as a dangerous one. The highway parallels the railroad track from Tracy and at this point makes crossing from the east to the westside and continues southward again making a curve on each side of the crossing. Bladridge, headed south, had the train behind and on his right, and although there were pavement bars warning of the crossing he evidently crossed without looking back. It is reported that he told inquirers that he neither saw not heard anything Struck at Full Speed; The car was evidently hit while the train was at practically full speed. Crossing diagonally, the car was hit on the corner and doubled into a shapeless mass. The passengers were all thrown clear, but the remains of the car were carried by the locomotive a quarter mile before the speed slackened and the wreckage was thrown off. The cattle guard at the crossing was completely demolished and the fragments of the chassis were torn free when a second cattle guard was torn down at the Olive Avenue crossing a quarter mile south. The car, a large Pierce Arrow, was so completely wrecked as to be scarcely recognized as an automobile. Four crumpled wheels piled together and a battered portion of the windshield and engine were the only pieces that held together. And the fragments that were scattered along the right of way were all shattered bits, the largest visible being a seat cushion, all evidence of the terrific force of the blow. Baldridge is the owner of a garage business in the Snyder building on the main street of Gustine. The family had spent the day with Stockton friends and were en route home when the crash occurred. Bergez Jean 340629 p1 Crushed by Automobile; Fatal Smash Near Patterson Late Sunday Night; Jean Bergez. 58, laundry worker who had lived in Newman for several years, met his death from an auto accident sometime late Sunday night or early Monday morning on Sycamore avenue in Patterson Colony. Bergez remains were discovered by James Acquistipace about 8 a.m. pinned beneath his overturned car opposite the Pearson place on South Sycamore in Patterson Colony. According to Constable C. W. Kirk, who was summoned to the scene, Bergez had been dead four to six hours. He was last seen at the Felix Signorotti ranch north of the Colony about 6 o'clock Sunday evening, and no trace of his movements following that was established. Evidence left by his tracks showed that he had been driving in erratic fashion prior to the mishap, however, according to the investigating officers. The tracks showed he had been off the left hand side of the road for a long distance and then the car suddenly skidded squarely across the highway and turned on its side, sliding about thirty feet before it was halted. It is suggested by one observer who studied the tire marks that Bergez was probably driving at a pretty fast clip and getting off the center of the road, into the loose gravelly shoulder, attempted to turn back at too sharp an angle, the upset resulting. Employed at Modesto; Bergez was a former Newman laundry worker, and bought a home there. For the past year or two he has worked in a Modesto laundry, traveling back and forth every day. He leaves a wife and two young children. An unusual circumstance is that Mrs. Bergez, who like her husband is French, has learned scarcely a word of English, and having no relatives nor countrymen here, it was very difficult to communicate with her. Funeral services were held at the Newman Catholic Church Wednesday at 10, Father Mulvihill officiating. Mrs. Bergez' mother came from Los Angles to attend the services. Brazil Joaquin A 340223 p1 Rancher Drowned in Tank; Joaquin Brazil Falls in While Repairing Roof Sunday; An unusual accident claimed the life of Joaquin A. Brazil, Patterson Colony rancher, Sunday afternoon, when he was drowned in the water tank at his place on Eucalyptus Avenue near Sycamore. While no one was near at the time and his body was not found until the following morning the surrounding circumstances were so clearly indicated that there could be little doubt of the manner in which he met his death. He had taken his wife, to a neighbor s Sunday afternoon and returned about 3:45, at which time he told his small daughter, who was ill in bed, that he was going out to patch some holes in the tank house roof that had been made by woodpeckers. A few minutes later the little girl heard some hammering but that was all. Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Brazil returned home but did not look for him, thinking he had gone to a neighbor s. The deceased was due to go to work at the Borba and Pacheco Ranch at Crows Landing the next morn1ng and had planned to go down late that evening and spend the n1ght there. So w$en he did not reappear as the night drew on, his wife presumed he had gone to Crows Landing, although thinking it unusual. Monday morning, she went to the Crows Landing ranch, however, and when it was found Brazil had not appeared there, they hurried back to the Brazil ranch. Following the clue supplied by the daughter, the tank was inspected and his body was found in about eight feet of water. The structure had a flat roof with a trapdoor at one corner, and this was open, with a hammer and nails lying on the roof. It was evident that Brazil had been either climbing in or out of the trap door when he lost his footing and slipped into the water. He could not swim and was always afraid of the water, refusing to go fishing on that account. A survey of the tank showed that the water was only between two and three feet from the top and it would have been possible to leap up and grab the edge. But he had evidently become panic stricken and sank to his death. Deputy Sheriff Ossie Ball was summoned when the body was found and Coroner George Sovern came over later in the day to make a complete investigation. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Joseph Porto in charge, followed by interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements were in charge of Davis & Evans. Brazil was 44 years of age and a native of the Azores Islands. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children, Virginia and Joseph. They have resided here about three years. He was a remember of Patterson Lodge No. 130, U. P. E. C. Brookey Joseph F 340330 p1 Grayson Pioneer Passes Away Monday; Joseph F. Brookey, Grayson resident for 31 years, past, died Monday morning at a Stockton hospital fo1lowing an illness of six weeks.. The deceased was a native of Maryland, aged 70 years, and had resided in this state since 1902. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Louise Brookey, and four children; Ruth and Walter Brookey, residing at home; Mrs. N. B. Chapman of San Francisco and Robert L. Brookey of Oakland. Two brothers and two sisters also survive in the East. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Modesto, followed by interment there. Rev. A. L Anderson officiated at the services. Brum Manuel J 340803 p2 Manuel Brum Dies at Irvington Last Week; Manuel J. Brum, Fig Avenue rancher for the past twenty-one years, passed away at Irvington last week. following an extended illness. He was taken to a San Francisco hospital for treatment several weeks ago but to no avail and was later taken to Irvington. The deceased was 53 years of age and a native of the Azores. He is survived by his widow, a bride of a few months. Byron W H 340518 p7 W. H. Byron Dies at Mayfield Friday; W. H. Byron, local resident for many years until his removal to Mayfield about three months ago for his health; passed away there Friday. He was 65 years of age and is survived by the widow and two daughters, Mrs. Pearl Allbee, whose husband recently died; and Mrs. Ray Stevens. Funeral services were held at Santa Clara Monday followed by cremation at San Jose. Charles Gustafson and daughter, Miss Atlee, Mrs. Hilma Agadoni, A. Ghisletta and Anthony Ghisletta attended from here. . Coates Roland W 341130 p1 Killed When Auto Crashes Bridge on River Road; Roland W. Coates, 21, employed at El Solyo Ranch, was killed early Sunday morning when his car side swiped a concrete bridge on the river road near Grayson. As he was alone, no one knows how the mishap occurred but it is presumed he fell asleep at the wheel. The remains were discovered by a car containing five other employees of the ranch, who arrived a short time later and found him dead from a fractured skull and internal injuries, while the side of his car was crushed. The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roland D. Coates of Westley. Funeral services were held at Modesto Wednesday with interment there also. Cronkite E B 340921 p1 E. B. Cronkite Found Dead at Canyon Ranch; E. B. Cronkite, former instructor at the Del Puerto Canyon school until it was abandoned, was found dead on his eightieth birthday Saturday, by a son, Hugh C. Cronkite of Merced, who went up to investigate when he failed to arrive at a party planned in his honor at Hughson. A heart attack was given as the cause apparently striking him while he was getting ready to leave his ranch. Cronkite has made his home in the upper part of Del Puerto Canyon for many years, having a homestead not far from the mine, and has lived there alone much of the time. When the canyon branch of the Patterson school was established, Cronkite was in charge for a number of years. Lack of pupils caused it to be abandoned something over ten years ago, and Cronkite retired to his homestead, spending part of his time there and part with relatives outside. Seven children survive him, the others being Charles B. of Riverbank; Burt E. of Atwater; Ward L. of Palo Alto; Lloyd I. of Hughson and Mrs. Carl Schradaer of Hughson and Mrs. R. Hisey of Bellflower. Funeral services were held at Modesto Wednesday with interment there. Crow Isaac 340824 p4 Isaac Crow Dies at Hosp1tal at Modesto; Isaac Crow, Patterson rancher and member of the pioneer Crow family of Crows Landing. passed away at a Modesto hospita1 Wednesday. He was the grandson of Isaac P. Crow and the son of Charles P. Crow. He was 51 years of age and was a pioneer of this county, attending the Crows Landing and Newman schools. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ethel Crow, and five children, Francis, Maxine, Molliebelle and Charles of Patterson and Mervyn Crow of Martinez. He was a brother of Mrs. Paul Wagner of Portland, Mrs Mark Larkin of Los Angles and Mrs. Jack Morey of Modesto and a nephew of Mrs. W. D. Bell and Mrs. Ella Maze of Modesto. Funeral services will be held at the Shannon Chapel at Modesto at 10 a. m. Saturday. Crow John B Mrs 340629 p6 Death of Mrs. John B. Crow on Tuesday; Crows Landing – June 27. News of the death of Mrs. John B. Crow at San Francisco Tuesday was received this morning. Mrs. Crow had been seriously ill for the past month. She was 69 years of age, and had lived many years with her husband on the well-known Crow ranch here. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 from the Magendie Funeral Parlors at 1340 Golden Gate avenue, San Francisco. Many from the West Side will attend the services. The deceased is survived by her husband and three sons – Mervyn, who operates the old ranch; Sheldon of Newman; and John B. Jr., a resident of Southern California. Ellis J P 341012 p1 Funeral Held For Former Local Rancher; J. P. Ellis, Bartch Avenue rancher for many years, but a Hayward resident since 1921, passed away at the home of his niece, Mrs. Charles Good of Oakland Friday, following a heart attack, The remains were brought here for interment beside his wife in Del Puerto Cemetery, funeral services being held Sunday afternoon from the chapel of Davis & Evans with Dr. A. B. Gilbert presiding. He was the brother-in-law of Mrs. Annie Ralston and the uncle of W. T. Ralston. Other nephews and nieces who, with their families attended the funeral, were Howard Ellis of Stockton, Warren Ellis of Oakland, Mrs. L. T. Moore of Fresno and Mrs. Good. Ferry Edward E 340824 p2 Infant Child Passes Away; Edward Eugene Ferry, 8 months old son Mr. and Mrs. Joaquin Ferry, passed away Monday night. Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Church Wednesday morning with Rev. J. A. Martins in charge, followed by interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Davis & Evans conducted the arrangements. Fimiamino Marcilo 340629 p1 Filipino Ranch Hand Passes; Marcilo Fimiamino, Filipino, aged about 28, passed away suddenly Thursday of last week at the Patterson Ranch Co. labor camp near the river, death being ascribed to a cerebral hemorrhage. The remains were interred at the Del Puerto cemetery with Davis and Evans handling arrangements. Freisen John H 341019 p1 Passing of John Freisen at Modesto; John H. Freisen, Eucalyptus avenue rancher. passed away at a Modesto hospital Thursday of last week, following a short illness. Accompanied by his wife, he had started for Chicago the previous week only to turn back at Reno when he became ill. Funeral services were held here Saturday morning with Rev. C. A. Hedlind officiating, followed by shipment of the remains to Reedley for interment, services being held there Sunday. He is survived by his widow; four children. Mrs. E. Tedes (?) and Mrs. Anna Tielman of Planada, Henry of Reedley, and Nic of Patterson; and three stepchildren, Louise, Nellie and George Klassen of Patterson. A native of Russia, Freisen had had an adventurous life with many harrowing experiences. Of Holland descent. he was a member of the Mennonite faith, whose colonists went first to Germany and then to Siberia many generations ago, seeking peace and release from military obligations. The colony in Siberia thrived and the Freisen family were prosperous, building up thrifty farms and being also engaged in an important manufacturing business, packing pearl barley for shipment all over Russia. With the coming of the Bolsheviks to power, everything was lost and they had to flee for their lives, leaving one son behind who was too ill to travel, and who later died there. Making their way to the East coast, they came to this country, and started building their fortunes anew. Freisen had been in the section about five years, and was a successful and thrifty farmer, winning the esteem of all who knew him. Fulkerth L W Judge 340720 p2 Judge Fulkerth Dies Following Long Sickness; Judge L. W. Fulkerth, venerable head of the courts of Stanislaus county, ended a lengthy term in the public service when he passed, away at Modesto Wednesday, after an illness of a year. Judge Fulkerth had filled his responsible position for more than thirty years and had an enviable record among California s judiciary for competence and fairness, his reversals by higher courts being remarkably few. He entered public life when he was elected district attorney in 1890 and served two terms. In 1902 he was elected to the superior court and has held office continuously since then for 32 years, being one of the oldest judges in the state in point of years of service. Fulkerth s father was also prominent in pioneer life, serving both as sheriff and as postmaster of Modesto. Funeral services were held yesterday morning at Modesto. Fulkerth s successor on the superior bench will be named by Acting Governor Frank Merriam for the two years remaining of his term. Some months ago the County Tax Council moved to seek FuIkerth's resignation but general sentiment did not support such a step, it being fit that Fulkerth's long and noteworthy career of service entitled him to consideration in the closing hours of his life, which were short at best, and his work was being carried on by other judges without added cost to the county. Fulton Mary J 340928 p1 Death of Mrs. J. C. Fulton Tuesday Night; Mrs. Mary Jane Fulton, wife of J. C. Fulton, passed away at the family home on Las Palmas Avenue Tuesday night following an extended illness. Mrs. Fulton was a pioneer settler in Patterson Colony, the family establishing their home here in 1912, soon after the land was subdivided. She was 71 years of age and a native of Illinois. Funeral services will be held. this afternoon at the Davis & Evans Chapel with Dr. A. B. Gilbert of the Federated Church presiding. Interment in Del Puerto Cemetery will follow. Besides her husband. the deceased is survived by three daughters Mrs. Alta Glotfelty and Miss Cora Fulton of Patterson and Miss Leah Fulton of La Habra, and one son Archie Fulton of Winters. Brothers and sisters are W. J. Fair of Iowa, Mrs. Margaret Morrill of Hollywood, Mrs. Mathews Klienne and Mrs. Belle Bird of Illinois, Mrs. Elta Heaton of Iowa and Stewart Patterson of Illinois. Six grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive her. Fulton Mary J 341005 p5 Car Mishaps Keep Relatives From Funeral; A series of unfortunate mishaps kept several relatives from attending the funeral services for Mrs. J. C. Fulton here Friday afternoon last week. John Fulton, grandson of the deceased. and Mrs. Fulton and baby, John Jr., were en route from Alpine County Friday morning when their car skidded on a grade and crashed into a car in front. The car was not badly damaged and they did not think any had been seriously hurt, but they were delayed so that the services were over when they arrived. And it later developed that the baby had broken a leg in the crash, but had made no complaint at the time. Mr.and Mrs. Fulton were cut and bruised. Fulton had only recently recovered from a severe illness caused by blood poisoning, his life being despaired of for a time. J. E. Fulton of Oxnard, brother-in-law of the deceased, was prevented from coming when his son, Lon, was involved in a crash which caused facial injuries requiring 150 stitches to close. Out of town attendants for the services included Miss Leah Fulton from La Habra, Mrs. Margaret Morrill of Hollywood, W. T. Fulton and son, Clifford, of Camarillo, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Fulton and family of Winters, and Mrs. Lizzie Dunlap of Pomona. Glotfelty Abram G 341123 p1 A. G. Glotfelty Is Called by Death; A long illness was terminated by death Friday morning when Abram G. Glotfelty passed away at a Modesto hospital. The deceased was 53 years of age, being a native of Illinois, and had resided here for approximately 20 years. Familiarly known as "Abe" to all, he was respected and esteemed in the community and his passing is received with regret. Glotfelty is survived by one son, James, whose mother passed away nine years ago. Two brothers reside here; H. T. and W. L. Glotfelty, and four sisters and three brothers live in the East. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, with Dr. A. B. Gilbert officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto Cemetery. Harmon Dorothy D 340601 p7 Newman Index Young Wife Takes Poison; A Sunday tragedy brought to a to a close the brief life of Mrs Dorothy D. Harmon, 27, wife of David Harmon, manager of the local branch of the Sprouse Ritz Co. Following a tiff which the husband describes as of no consequence, Mrs. Harmon went to the Newman Drug Co. store about 11 Sunday and bought a small quantity of strychnine sulphate. She signed the poison sheet as required by law, and gave as her use for the stuff the poisoning of rats. The druggist who attended her said that she seemed quite at ease, smiling, and gave no indication whatever of tragic purpose. Returning to her apartment at the Trefts residence on P street, she locked herself in. Some time later Mrs. Trefts heard sounds from the rooms, which at first led her to think Mrs. Harmon was crying. Later she decided the sound was a moan, and tried to enter. But it was necessary to send out for the housekeeper to get a key. In the meantime Dr. Rosco was summoned, and he was the first to enter the room, finding Mrs. Harmon dead. Harmon had left for Modesto some time in the forenoon and did not return until after the discovery. An investigation of Coroner W. M. Davis left no doubt as to the cause of death. A note addressed to her grandmother, Mrs. F. J. Young of Niles, said she was tired of living. Another note was addressed to Harmon. It was not considered necessary to hold an inquest. The deceased was known to but few here, having come to Newman with Harmon some four months ago to take over the store. She was formerly a school teacher, and as Miss Dorothy Barnum taught in Gustine High a few years ago, marrying Harmon about two years ago. Horr Eva D 340202 p2 Mother of Local People Passes at Modesto; A California resident for 58 years past, much of it spent in this part of the state, Mrs. Eva Dora Horr passed away at Modesto Sunday at the age of 64. Married in this county 47 years ago to the late Henry B. Horr, they have resided at various places in this section and several of their children are local residents. Mrs. Nellie Hanell, Mrs. Margaret Sykes and Frank Horr are the local children; John Horr resides at Oroville; Mrs. Mintie Fiscalina at Livermore and Charles Horr at Santa Barbara. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from the Chapel of Davis & Evans, with C A. Hedlind presiding, followed by interment at Del Puerto Cemetery. Johnson Carl 340727 p1 Former Local Man Passes; Carl Johnson, former local resident and father of Lyle Johnson, passed away at his Salinas home last week. Besides Johnson, those attending the funeral services from here were Mr. and Mrs. Neal Hansen, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hanson and Mrs. Mary Rogers. Johnson Lewis W 340126 p1 L. W. Johnson Dies Monday: Was Pioneer; Lewis W. Johnson, pioneer settler of Patterson Colony, passed away Monday morning at the home of his son. Henry, following an illness of some duration. A native of Iowa, he was; 76 years of age, the major portion of his career being spent in Minnesota, where he resided 30 years, and in California, coming here to settle on an Olive avenue ranch just 29 years ago, where the family resided until the death of his wife a few years ago. He was a neighbor in Minnesota of F. E. Douty, and a friendship that dated back 40 years was continued here when the two met again. And in paying tribute to the deceased, Douty declared that in Minnesota, as here, "Lew" was universally held in high esteem for the character and industry that contributed much to the community. He is survived by two daughters and three sons; Mrs. O. C. Alson of Everett, Washington, who arrived in time to be with him at his death; W. K. Johnson of Oakland; Alphie Johnson Newell, South Dakota; Henry Johnson and Mrs. Arthur Locken of Patterson. Funeral services were held at our Saviour's Lutheran Church Wednesday afternoon with Rev. H. J. Thorpe of San Francisco officiating. Interment in Del Puerto cemetery followed with Davis & Evans in charge of arrangements. Jones Henry A 340824 p1 Train Kills Westley Man; Speeding Limited Hits Harry Jones at Westley Crossing. Harry A, Jones, Westley ranch was instantly killed early Tuesday morning, when he drove his car squarely into the path of the speeding northbound West Coast Limited at the Westley warehouse about 5:30 a. m. The car was demolished by the collision and the mangled remains of the unfortunate man were tangled in the wreckage, which was thrown clear of the engine about 150 feet from the crossing. Fragments of the car were carried some distance farther before the train, which was estimated to be traveling about 55 miles per hour, could be brought to a stop. The crossing, little used is at the north end of the warehouse and is particularly dangerous as the building is close to the main line and obstructs all view from the south. Jones had just left the highway, headed eastward across the track to attend to irrigation in a field he had under cultivation close by. He was driving a small sedan and it is possible the closed windows were a factor in preventing him from hearing the approaching train. Manuel Azevedo, Jr. was the only direct witness of the crash, Jones having just passed his truck before turning off the highway to the crossing. Azevedo said that the body was hurled clear of the car in the air but became entangled with it as the machine fell. Funeral Yesterday; Jones had ben a resident of the Westley area for 5 years, and had resided in this state for 25 years. He was a native of Kansas, aged 53 years. He is survived by his wife; two brothers, Frank and Elmer at Westley, and two brothers and a sister in the East. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Davis& Evans Chapel with Dr. A. B. Gilbert presiding, followed by interment at Del Puerto Cemetery. Jorgensen Chris 340427 p7 Newman Index Chris Jorgensen Is Found Dead; Chris Jorgensen, 62 year old farmer living halfway between Newman and Crows Landing, near the Marks gravel pit on the Orestimba, was found dead in his bed Saturday last when his brother, Peter Jorgensen of Oakdale, called. . Notes left by Jorgensen make the case plainly one of suicide. A container beside the bed was partly full of cyanide of potassium, a deadly poison, and a revolver also lay near. Inspection showed, however, that the gun was loaded fully but not been fired recently, and that the death was due to poison. One of severe! notes stated that his determination to die was due to the dry year – that he could not go through another drouth. This was evidently a mental effect, as Jorgensen was not in financial straits, so far as known. He was subject to delusions of persecution, also referred to in some of the notes, and believed to be imaginary, as nothing is known of any claims whatever against him. One of the notes written on a shipping tag, was addressed to W. M Davis, and read: "Mr. Davis-- Give me this book along. --Chris. It evidently referred to a bible which he had beside him. The notes were dated April 16, and indicate that he had been dead five days when found. As he lives in a remote spot and had no intimates, the tragedy might not have been discovered for an infinitive time, except for an appointment Chris had made to meet his brother in Modesto Wednesday. His failure to keep the appointment led to Peter's visit Saturday. Jorgensen left three brothers –Peter of Oakdale, Andrew of Crows Landing and George of Bakersfield; and one sister, Cecelia, living in Denmark. Lindgren Carl 340803 p1 Carl Lindgren Is Dead at San Diego; Word has been received by Eric Olhson of the death at San Diego last week of Carl Lindgren, former chief of police here, who removed to the south a couple of years ago. He passed away Wednesday of last week, double pneumonia being the cause. His wife and a daughter, Gertrude, survive him. Junior Peterson returned Sunday from a week s outing at Santa Cruz. Little Jerome 341221 p1 Sudden Death of Jerome Little Sunday; Stricken suddenly with a cerebral hemorrhage while at work Sunday morning, Jerome Little passed away a short time later. He was preparing to start some painting work about 8:3O at the Henry Forry home when the attack seized him. A. native of Kansas, aged 51 years Little had resided here about four years, the family occupying the Dayton place on Lemon Avenue. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Edith Little and one daughter, Lucille. A brother and sister reside in Kansas. He was also a brother-in-law of Ed Pagel. Funeral services were held at the Davis & Evans Chapel Wednesday morning, followed by interment in Del Puerto Cemetery. Dr. A. G. Gilbert officiated at the services. Martins A G 341207 p1 Killed in Train Crash at Gridley; A. G. Martins of Gridley, a brother of the late Manuel Rogers of Patterson, was instantly killed Saturday morning when his car was struck by a train at Gridley. His wife, a sister of Mrs. Rogers, was hurled clear and escaped with minor injuries. Mrs. Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Hansen left for Gridley the same day and Dan Rogers went up Monday for the funeral services which were held there Thursday. Interment was made at Centerville Wednesday and Mrs. Dan Rogers and her father, S. P. Summers of Ceres, joined the family party for the services there. Mikkelsen Andrew P 340713 p2 Last Rites For A. P. Mikkelsen; Funeral services were held here Monday afternoon for Andrew P. Mlkkelsen of Sari Francisco, who passed away in that city Saturday. He was the former husband of Mrs. Marie Mikkelsen of Patterson and is also survived by one daughter and three sons; Mrs. Arthur Jordon of Patterson; Clarence Mikkelsen of Modesto; Paul Mlkkelsen of Turlock, and Walter Mikkelsen of Arcadia. Services were held from Davis& Evans Chapel with Rev. A. B. Gilbert officiating. followed by internment at Del Puerto Cemetery Norelius Albert 340608 p1 Albert Norelius Passes Away Wednesday; Albert Norelius, pioneer local merchant, passed away at his home Wednesday evening followed an attack of heart trouble. The deceased was a native of Minnesota, aged 68 years, and had occupied a prominent part in activities at Cambridge, Minnesota, prior to coming to California, being county registrar of deeds there for several terms. Coming to Patterson in 1915, he has been in business here for the past 19 years, and was probable the longest-established merchant in point of continuous operation. He was held in highest esteem by all who knew him. He is survived by his widow and by one brother, Horace, of Minneapolis. Funeral services will be held at the chapel of Davis & Evans at 2 o'clock this afternoon, with Rev. C. A. Hedlind officiating. The remains will be shipped east to Cambridge for interment, accompanied by Mrs. Norelius and her sister, Miss Lillian Eastlund. Services there will be in charge of the Woodmen of the World. Norelius Albert 340622 p1 Final Rites Held for Albert Norelius; A clipping has been received from a Minnesota paper, sent by Mrs. Albert Norelius, giving an account of the final services held there for Albert Norelius, pioneer local merchant, who passed away June 6. The services were held Tuesday, June 12 at the North Isanti, Minnesota Baptist Church followed by internment in the North Isanti Cemetery, Rev. C. A. Carlson was in charge, assisted by Rev. S. G. Carlson to Rush Point and Rev. Albert Grant. A 1arge turnout was in attendance, the deceased having spent his entire life there until his departure for California and a large number of friends and relatives paid their last respects. Peters Iris B 340316 p2 Death of Mrs. W. L. Peters Follows Illness; Following a long illness, Iris B. Peters, wife of W. L. Peters and long-time Patterson resident, passed away at the family home Thursday evening of last week. The deceased was a native of Evansville, Indiana, where she was born in 1882, and beside the husband, three sisters and one brother survive her as follows: Mrs. Lily Seaton of Los Angeles; Mrs. Minerva Lynham of Los Angles, Mrs. Flora Matteson of Clovis, and H. R. Bowdish of Los Angeles Funeral services were held from. the Davis & Evans chapel Monday afternoon with Rev. A. L. Anderson officiating, followed by interment at Del Puerto cemetery. Peterson Otto F 340504 p1 Death of Otto F. Petterson, Long Time Resident; Otto F. Peterson, resident of Patterson Colony for twenty years past, was called by death Saturday morning at his home on Bartch Avenue. A native of Norway, where he was born in 1870, he had been in this state for 33 years past. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Peterson, and a son, Arthur. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. C. Knudson. and a brother, Andrew, in Norway, and two brothers in this country, Bernhart of Hayward and Rinehart of San Francisco. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from Our Saviour s Lutheran Church with Rev. E. W. Lee and Rev. H. J. Thorpe of San Francisco in charge. Interment in Del Puerto Cemetery followed, with Davis & Evans handling arrangements Peterson Sanfrid 340202 p1 Sanfrid Peterson, Colony Pioneer, Passes Away; Another passed from the thinning ranks of those who pioneered their way in Patterson Colony, Thursday night of last week, when Sanfrid Peterson passed way, following an extended illness. A native of Sweden, where he was born 81 years ago, he came to this country as a boy, and in 1911, came to California and established a home in the newly opened Colony, where he has been an esteemed citizen ever since. He is survived, by his wife, Mrs. Matilda Peterson,. and the following children; Mrs. J. Larson, Mrs. A. Hamburg and Elinar Peterson of San Mateo; Sven Peterson of Aberdeen, Washington, and the Misses Irene, Luella and La Vern Peterson of Patterson. Two brothers and one sister reside in Sweden. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon from the Evangelical Covenant Church with Rev. A. Hedlind in charge, followed by interment at Del Puerto Cemetery. Davis & Evans had charge of arrangements. Reid Beatrice A 'June' 340316 p7 Newman Index School Girl A Victim of Rattlesnake; Tragedy struck suddenly last Thursday afternoon at a gay party of high school students, the Junior botany class, cut for an afternoon of field work in the foothills, when one of its most popular and lovable members, Miss Beatrice Agnes Reid, universally known as "June , was fatally bitten by a vicious rattlesnake. Miss Reid was one of a small group slightly ahead of the two detachments of the party, one accompanying the botany instructor, Miss Coleman, and the other the Ag. instructor, W. L. Norton, who had joined the party as guide and guard. All were returning from a side trip up a gulch a short distance this side of Robinson camp on Orestimba creek. Three girls accompanied June, but two of them turned aside to pick flowers and only Dorothy Alfonso was with her when they heard the rattle. Evidently confused as to its direction, June seems to have stepped backward almost directly upon the snake and was struck on the back of the ankle. There was no lack of prompt aid, Miss Coleman and Mr. Norton came at once; a tourniquet was applied and Mr. Morton made an incision around the bite and himself sucked the blood from the wound. Cars were close at hand, and in less than a half-hour from the moment of the snakes's stroke the patient was in the Newman hospital. A fourteen hour battle for the girl's life ensued, with two to three physicians in constant attendance. But it seemed that the fangs probably actually penetrated a good sized blood vessel, and the poison was pumped almost instantly to the entire system. Methods considered to be almost specific for such cases proved of no avail. The physicians tried every resource when a blood transfusion was indicated, Dr. Roscoe himself gave the blood, to avoid the delay which a test of some other willing giver would have entailed. But to no purpose. The end came Thursday morning. Russell J R 340622 p1 Pioneer of West Side Passes at Oakland; J. R. Russell, pioneer farmer of the West Side and a resident of the Vernalis section for many years, passed away at his Oakland home this week. He was 87 years of age and his death was due to infirmities of old age. He was the father of Mrs. George Thoming of Patterson. A number from the West Side went down to attend the funeral services Tuesday. Schuler George Mrs 341207 p1 Mrs. Schuler Dies at Santa Cruz; Mrs. George Schuler, former Patterson resident, passed away at Santa Cruz Tuesday following an extended illness. The Schulers had made their home there for the past two years. Funeral services were held yesterday. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Storch went over Wednesday to aid in arrangements. Spradling David 340706 p1 Baby Dies in Ditch; Son of Fruit Pickers Toddles into Irrigating Canal. Barely able to toddle to his doom, David Spradlin, little 16 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Spradlin, fruit workers, was drowned in an irrigation lateral on the Joseph Graonquist place on Fig Avenue Sunday morning.. The family was camped across the lateral from the cutting shed and a plank crossed the ditch at that point. Whether the baby tried to cross this or slipped in from the side is not known. But following the discovery that he was missing a half hour's search was made before the baby was found floating in the ditch. about three-quarters of a mile south of the camp. Dr. A M. Field and Ossie Ball responded to a call for help and took out. the Fire Department resuscitator, working over the remains for over an hour without results. Funeral services wore held Monday morning from the Davis & Evans chapel with Rev. Boone Don Carlson in charge. The parents and four other children survive. Sylvester Henry D 340504 p7 Henry Sylvester Dies at Modesto; Henry D. Sylvester 33, assistant county farm adviser passed away at a Modesto hospital following illness due to mastoid trouble. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Berkeley. Sylvester had served 9 years and was very well known here through his various activities in 4-H Club work, grain project work and other fields and news of his passing is received with regret. Tadokora T 341221 p1 Westley Japanese Killed, by Hit-run Driver; T. Tadokora, 41. Westley truck gardener, was killed some time Thursday night on the Lincoln Highway four miles south of Stockton by a hit run driver, who was believed apprehended later. Tadokora had evidently run out of gasoline, his own car being found some distance from the place where his body was found, and he had started to walk for aid when struck Search was started at once by the highway patrol and a damaged car was discovered in a Tracy garage where it had been towed from near the scene of the fatal mishap. The occupants, E. Gilbert and Reuben Tracy, both of Livermore, were held for investigation. Tadokora has been engaged in vegetable farming in the West Stanislaus area for a number of years past, having raised lettuce and other produce, first on the Minniear ranch and later ib the Fay place, where he has been located this season. He is survived by his wife and two children. The remains were kept at Stockton for services there. Talkington Lamar 341019 p1 Murder Highway on Highway Is Mystery; Newman October 18 – A case that in some of its aspects is strikingly similar to the famous Lamson case at San Jose was before a coroner's jury at Gustine yesterday afternoon. The jury was impaneled to inquire into the death of Lamar Talkington, generally known as "Bob," former Newman barber, whose body was brought into Gustine Monday night by his wife in their coach. The story told by the would wife was one of a tragic error– a mistaken crime, committed because of wrong identification. She said the couple were on their way from their present home at Watsonville, to Modesto on a business trip. At a point between the Santa Nella station and the Romero bridge, they were stopped by a roadster which forced them to the side of the road. Armed men demanded $1000 cash, and shot Talkington on his denial of having any money. Then, finding that he really had no money, they declared he was the wrong man and one said, "Better bump her off too," whereupon the wife was shot in the arm and left for dead, having fainted from the shock. Drove to a Gustine; However, the wife revived, probably in a few minutes, and finding her husband in a dying condition, drove to Gustine for help. Dr. Gustafson made an examination and found Talkington dead. His wife was not severely hurt, the bullet having entered her arm. Talkington was hit three times, one bullet entering near his eye, a second near the heart arid a third cutting one ear. The body was sent to the Davis Funeral Chapel and the injured woman to the Newman Hospital, and the officers of Gustine and Merced county, with Newman peace officers co-operating, sent out a widespread alarm in an attempt to locate the assassins. An inquest was held yesterday in the Gustine Justice Court rooms, of which the principal feature was the examination of Mrs. Bertha Talkington, widow of the murdered man.. Mrs. Talkington is not charged in connection with the case, but is held as a material witness, and it soon became evident that the peace officers are not entirely convinced that her story of the shooting was the correct one. Mrs. Talkington s Statement; After a brief statement by Dr. A. W. Gustafson of the cause of death, Mrs. Tarkington was put on the stand. The assistant district attorney, L. B. Harrell of Merced, warned her that her testimony could be used against her and that she could not be required to make any statement, but she declined to take advantage of the suggestion. Harrell took her over the ground of shooting in the most minute detail, from the time they started from Watsonville, about 6 p. m. on Monday, till she reached Gustine, at a few minutes before 9 o clock. She told of the trip by way of Gilroy: of stopping at a service station to talk a few minutes; of driving over the Pacheco grade, Miss Talkington at the wheel; of backing off one section of the newly built grade which they had entered by mistake; of passing San Luis station and of stopping just this side for Talkington to take the wheel. Talkington had been in the back seat of the coach; as he took the wheel, his wife took the right back seat, leaving the left front seat folded down. At the Santa Nella station, she saw two cars, one a box body or work car. A little farther three or four miles, she said, but also said it was south of the Romero bridge, being positive they had not crossed it-- they were overtaken by the bandit car. She saw its lights as it came up, then heard the man shout, "Stop I ll shoot!" She said the car was a small, roadster, carrying two men. whom she described as medium size, one in a black suit, the other in light clothes, both wearing light caps, and having their faces covered with white handkerchiefs or cloths. Talkington stopped the car, she said, and the bandit car stopped beside it, within two feet or so. The men got out and demanded "that thousand dollars." Talkington told them he had no in money, and as he was ordered to put up his hands he raised his arms, she said. But she thought the bandit took the motion for an offensive one and instantly fired three or four shots, in close succession. HarrelI tried to get a definite idea of the rapidity of fire, and after several questions she finally spaced the shots, a second or two apart but could not say whether there were three or four. She said the Talkington car was partly off the pavement, she thought, not entirely. Questioned repeatedly about the order of events. Mrs. Talkington stuck close to her story. She seemed willing and anxious to tell all she knew, did not try to avoid any questions. Although she was often unable to give a time or distance definitely, she would always, on the attorney's insistence, make an approximation. She was quite cool and self- possessed, often stopping to consider an answer as if anxious to get it just right. In all she made a very good witness, and several were heard to comment, "Either that's a straight story or she is a fine actress." Witness Showed Gun; The attorney exhibited a 22-caliber, long-barreled automatic and asked Mrs. Talkington if that looked like the gun, which she had described as long and black, but could not say whether it was a revolver or not. She looked over the automatic carefully and said it resembled the gun. Asked again if it was au automatic like the one shown. she again refused to commit herself, saying she did not know the difference. The attorney explained the difference, but she said she had not noticed the presence or absence of a cylinder. Afternoon Session; A short afternoon session was held in which Mrs. Talkington was again on the stand for a time. Attorney Harrell questioned her regarding her relations with her deceased husband especially as to quarrels between them. Mrs. Talkington admitted there had been friction -- "The usual run of married quarrels," she said in substance, hut denied any serious feeling between them. After checking up on a number of points as to time and place of certain specific occurrences, Mr. Harrell dismissed her and the case was submitted to the jury. The juror s, including Messrs. ? D. Davenport, W. H. Gilbert, Jack Silva, A. W. Gustafson, Frank De. Gregori, C. A. Morgan, Henry Forrest, Joe Chrisman and William. Jensen, soon reached an open verdict of death at the hands of persons unknown, closing the matter as far as the coroner is concerned. The Merced county officials are still, however, holding Mrs. Talkington as a material witness. Numerous rumors are in circulation and being investigated by Merced county authorities, of quarrels between the Talkingtons, one story even running that Bob had told friends that if he was killed they would know who had done it, indicating fear of his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Talkington were both well known here, Talkington having owned the 0 street barber shop next to the Acme Market for several years. He sold out to 0. L. Bradley some two years ago and removed to Modesto, later going to other points, arid finally locating at Watsonville. Taylor Henry P 341012 p1 Death Calls H. P. Taylor Friday Morning; Henry P. Taylor, pioneer Patterson resident, passed away at his home Friday morning following an illness. Coming to Patterson in 1911 he was one of the first business men in the new community, but has been retired for a number of years past. Funeral services were held from the chapel of Davis & Evans Monday morning with Dr. A. P. Gilbert officiating, fol1owed by interment at Modesto Masonic Cemetery. He was a native of New York, being born in 1865. Surviving him are the widow, Mrs. Ella Taylor; two daughters, Mrs. Bertha Alcorn of Modesto and Mrs. Ida Kellogg of Oakland, and a son, Kenneth, of Oakland. Three sisters and a brother reside in the East. Thompson Joy A 340119 p2 Infant Dies of Rare Malady; Joy Anne, 8 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson, residing on the W. W. Cox ranch, passed away yesterday, a victim of a rare disease, progressive muscular atrophy. Funeral arrangements had not been made at this writing. Tosta Louis C 340713 p5 Small Boy Passes Away after Illness; Louis Cardoza Tosta, 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Tosta of Lemon Avenue passed away Tuesday following a lengthy illness. He is survived by six brothers and sisters; Mrs. Mary Freitas of Newman and John, Rosie, Eva, Joseph and Frank of Patterson. Funeral services were held yesterday morning at the Newman Catholic Church, followed by interment in the Newman Catholic Cemetery, Davis & Evans were in charge of arrangements.